Cilantro

Cilantro, a member of the carrot family, is also referred to as Chinese Parsley and Coriander. It is actually the leaves (and stems) of the Coriander plant. Cilantro has a very pungent odor and is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking. The Cilantro leaves look a bit like flat Italian parsley and in fact are related.

Substitute For Cilantro

If you don't have cilantro or you're one of those people who absolutely hate it, then we can offer you some excellent substitutions:

• First, If you or your family don't like it and you're making guacamole, just leave it out.
• OR - substitute flat-leaf parsley which is related but lacks that "soapy" flavor loved (or hated) by many.  Parsley is easy to find and you may even have it in your garden.
• OR - Culantro can be used too if you happen to have it.  The flavor is very similar. You may want to use less because it is stronger.
• OR - You can also use Vietnamese cilantro which has a very similar taste.  This may be a good alternative if you happen to live close to an Asian grocery store that may carry it.
• OR - For a alternative flavor try substituting fresh basil.
• OR - Use about 1 teaspoon dried cilantro per tablespoon fresh.  As a rule dried cilantro retains very little of the flavor so this is our last-resort alternative.